Essential Hospital Bag Checklist for Labor, Birth & Postpartum in Atlanta
Preparing your hospital bag is a must for labor, birth, and the postpartum days. Whether you’re in Atlanta or nearby, here’s my hospital bag checklist — what to pack for labor, delivery, and after baby’s arrival. This version includes carefully chosen items for modern birth experiences, comfort, and capturing every moment.
At 32–36 weeks pregnant, it’s time to think about your hospital bag checklist. Packing early means you can focus on labor and those first newborn moments, instead of scrambling for socks and chargers
Modern Maternity Session in the city of Atlanta. Y’all. Look at this loft house. This couple wanting to capture their last few weeks in this house and I’m so glad they did! New adventures + baby at the new house!
This is the newest version. Older version here. It’s old, y’all.
Click on words below for direct links to Amazon.
Electronics & Comfort Items for Labor & Birth
Cell phone, rechargeable fan, video camera + chargers
People rarely forget their cellphone, but they forget the chargers to everything! Should you choose to film with your cellphone, a cell tripod has been hugely helpful.
Long charging cord or extension cord
Portable power bank in case outlets are far away
This rechargeable fan is my absolute favorite. It blows air hard, it decently quiet and the charge lasts a long time. This one is the BEST
In regards to this GoPro, I was thinking how awesome it would be for a dad (or me) to wear it and film the birth!
Ambiance & Comfort: Oils, Lighting, & Extras
Oils and/or diffuser
Create a calm ambiance.
Peppermint for nausea or to mask poop smells. Clary Sage for the uterus/birth.
Citrus, Lemon or Orange can help with exhaustion. Grounding blend for peace and strength
Lavender or calming blend is great for the tub/diffuser.
Cooling towel for labor comfort
Eye mask and earplugs for rest during noisy hospital nights
This diffuser is my favorite ever because it’s both a humidifier and a diffuser!
Non-LED Christmas lights, battery candles
Christmas lights are a gorgeous way to create a gentle, romantic ambiance for your birth space. I can hang them on the wall for you! Just pack painters tape. I prefer the kind that plug in the wall. Some parents choose a string of fairy lights for the tub as well.
I prefer the ease of Christmas lights over the candles, but some parents do both! So gorgeous
Don’t forget extra batteries.
Cash/Change for food delivery or vending machines
You or somebody on your birth team may need a snack, crackers, beverage. You will probably want to order a meal after the baby is born, but if places are closed, you will need backup options.
Toiletries & Personal Care Items for You and Your Partner
Dry shampoo or hair ties for quick freshen-up
Face wipes / makeup wipes for easy cleanup
Your own towel (hospital ones are small and scratchy)
Be mindful of toiletry scents that are too strong for your newborn. THIS is my absolute favorite soap. Safe for parents, babies, and your hormones. Don’t forget toothbrushes, toothpaste
Snacks, Clothing, Undergarments & Postpartum Gear
Snacks for both parents
Snacks are for the labor, but also for your hospital stay. I’ll be linking my snack checklist here soon.
Flip flops, slippers or socks
You are not going to want to walk barefoot in your birthing room.
Extra undergarments and bottoms
After your baby is born, things can get messy. Remember having your BFF check your bum in High School? Yeah, like that… plan for the worst and pack enough! Dark shorts, soft pj pants :)
Robe or cardigan for walking halls / photos
Roomy going-home outfit (think 6 months pregnant size)
Comfort measures (pillows, blankets, birth ball)
The birth center will prob have enough for one parent, but don’t forget about your birth partner. They need pillows, Tylenol/Motrin, too. Don’t forget your nursing pillow and birthing ball. If you are known as “tall” or “short,” be sure to order a ball that is the right size for you.
Baby Essentials to Pack for the Hospital
Your baby really doesn’t need much at the hospital — most of what’s required is provided. But there are a few special things that can make those first days more comfortable and memorable.
2–3 onesies or sleepers in both newborn and 0–3 month sizes
A going-home outfit (soft, weather-appropriate, and easy to buckle into the car seat)
Blanket or swaddle for warmth and photos
Hat, mittens, or socks if the season is cooler
Car seat installed ahead of time (hospitals won’t let you leave without one)
Pediatrician’s contact info for hospital paperwork
A special outfit, wrap, or accessory if you want photos of baby’s first hours
If You’re Planning to Bottle Feed
Most hospitals provide formula, typically Similac or Enfamil, and newborn-size bottles. If you prefer a different formula brand or a specific type of bottle (like glass or wide-neck bottles), you have to bring your own, plus your own water. Parents who know they’ll be bottle-feeding often find it reassuring to have the exact supplies they plan to use at home, even if the hospital provides a backup.
Optional Extras Families Love
Journal for baby’s first details
Special snacks or drinks you’ll want right after birth
Silverettes or nipple cream if breastfeeding
For your puppy at home:
Take home the blanket that is used to wipe off baby
Before introducing baby and puppy, bring your used baby blanket/towel in to the house to let the dog smell it.
PREGNANT? (YAY!) HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT MY PICTURES, DOULA CARE AND/OR HIRING ME FOR CAREFUL + CUSTOMIZED ATLANTA MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY? CONTACT ME AND TALK TO YOU SOON!